This coin heralds Julius Caesar as a perpetual dictator and was struck around the time of his historic brutal murder on the Ides of March. As Caesar’s role started to transition from general/war hero to one of sole ruler, hatred and resentment began to peak among his fellow senators. Julius Caesar led a successful campaign against the Gauls between 58-50 BC. This was in itself remarkable as the Romans did not possess any of military equipment necessary to defeat the Gauls. Despite his military achievements he was attempting to constitute social and political reforms which upset many. Caesar must have been a charismatic and unforgettable person. His name continues to be remembered throughout time while so many of his fellow senators have long been since forgotten.

The family of Julius Caesar believed they were descended from the goddess Venus, who is depicted on the reverse of this coin.

This coin comes from the Niggeler Collection which was auctioned off in 1966 by a joint venture between Bank Leu and Münzen und Medaillen in Switzerland. It also is a plate coin in the primary reference book of Caesar coinage by Alföldi.